I've got no great love for Murali (i've said on numerous occassions that I dont believe that his action is legit) BUT I really dont think anyone can say with any conviction that Murali cheated - it was good enough for the batsman to walk and he was 15 yards away or so.

In any event, it hardly changed the course of the match or the tournament

If the ball hits the ground then you must have some uncertainty as to whether you caught it. And batsmen generally expect the bowler to be honest.

Even after many replays, the commentators could not conclude either way if the catch was taken or not. Murali, in his post match interview, was absolutely sure that he had taken it...hence why he appealed, and quite rightly so.

This Lankan team plays with a high level of sportsmanship...look at Sanga not appealing after "catching" Gilly in the final....

Even after many replays, the commentators could not conclude either way if the catch was taken or not. Murali, in his post match interview, was absolutely sure that he had taken it...hence why he appealed, and quite rightly so.

This Lankan team plays with a high level of sportsmanship...look at Sanga not appealing after "catching" Gilly in the final....

OK. That is just the way he's always been, it should be borne in mind, but if he'd said it in a sarcastic manner (ie taking the piss out of those who claimed they knew better having watched on the monitor) then I'd know exactly what he meant.

People have misconstrued my rant about this as poor sportsmanship and even "blubbering" (thanks zinzan). I prefer to think of it as sticking up for my team. I don't like seeing them getting **** on by incidents like this in key games that could have changed the course of the match. At 114/3 we were well in with a chance...from that moment on, McCullum went next ball and then it all went to custard. Now I have to wait 4 more years (Thank god for the rugby WC)